Rees Wesson
1974 – Bought a Hohner Pokerwork for £30 and off I went. Learned to play on night shift in a cheese factory in West Wales. Spent much time in Wales, the West Country, East Anglia and elsewhere talking to the older generation of musicians.
1984 – Began importing Castagnari instruments and fixing up old Hohners. Went to Italy and Louisiana to meet accordion builders. Started trading at UK festivals.
1989 – Joined Edward the Second and the Red Hot Polkas and later formed Joe Le Taxi Zydeco Band. Much touring in Europe and America with both bands.
2007 – Started building single row accordions (melodeons, same thing). I was a skilled engineer, wood was different! Steep learning curve. Pictures on my website Gallery at http://www.melodeons.com
2026 – Still playing gigs and sessions. Joe Le Taxi is 37 years old. Joined a Pogues tribute band – Pogue McClone.
Life is good!